Why Scoring High in Descriptive English Matters
RBI Grade B is one of the most competitive and prestigious exams in India. In Phase II, the Descriptive English paper carries 100 marks, and a score of 70+ in this section gives you a clear edge over others.
This is not a test of ornamental English or flowery vocabulary. The RBI wants officers who can:
- Write clearly and logically,
- Summarize complex ideas,
- Interpret important policy-related content.
🧠 Understanding the Paper Structure
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Questions | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 40 | ~600 words | 1 out of 4 | 40 minutes |
| Precis Writing | 30 | ~140 words | 1 | 25 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 30 | 5 Questions | 1 Passage | 25 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 3 | 90 minutes |
To score 70+, your target should be:
- Essay: 30/40
- Precis: 22/30
- RC: 18/30
Let’s see how to achieve this.
📝 1. Essay Writing – Target: 30/40
✅ What Examiners Look For:
- Structured thinking
- Relevance to topic
- Balanced viewpoint
- Clear, formal language
- Real examples and data
🔑 How to Score High:
A. Master the 3-Part Structure
- Introduction (10%): Set the tone, define the topic
- Body (70%): 2–3 paragraphs with arguments, examples, and counterpoints
- Conclusion (20%): Summarize your stand and suggest solutions
B. Practice with Expected Topics
Prepare for RBI-relevant themes like:
- Financial Inclusion in India
- RBI’s Role in Inflation Control
- Crypto & Central Bank Digital Currency
- Digital India & Financial Literacy
- India’s Journey to Net-Zero Carbon
Write on each of these and get them reviewed.
C. Use a Neutral and Analytical Tone
Avoid emotional or opinionated writing. Use facts and reasoning. RBI expects mature thinking.
D. Use PEEL Format in Each Paragraph
- Point – introduce the argument
- Explain – describe what you mean
- Evidence – give facts/data
- Link – connect to the topic
E. Perfect Practice Plan
- 3 Essays/week (40-minute timed)
- Analyze one editorial daily from The Hindu, Mint, or Indian Express
- Maintain a bank of quotes, data, and intros/conclusions
✂️ 2. Precis Writing – Target: 22/30
✅ What Examiners Want:
- A summary in your own words
- One-third length of original
- No repetition or examples
- Crystal-clear clarity
🔑 How to Score High:
A. Read, Don’t Rush
First read the passage twice. Identify:
- The central idea
- Key supporting points
- Logical flow of thought
B. Build a Structure
Write a rough outline before you begin. Remove:
- Adjectives
- Repetitions
- Illustrations
Then reframe the main ideas into ~140 words.
C. Use Simple Language
- Avoid jargon or flowery language
- Prefer short, crisp sentences
- Use connectors like “however,” “thus,” “therefore,” “in contrast”
D. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Copying original lines
- Injecting your opinions
- Writing too short or too long
E. Practice Plan
- 2 Precis per week from Economic & Policy articles
- Count words and revise for conciseness
- Review with peer or mentor feedback
📖 3. Reading Comprehension – Target: 18/30
✅ What Examiners Want:
- Ability to understand tone, argument, facts
- Reasoning, inference, vocabulary skills
- Concise and correct answers
🔑 How to Score High:
A. Understand the Passage First
Spend 2–3 minutes reading the passage before questions. Underline:
- Author’s argument
- Shift in opinion
- Data and facts
B. Types of Questions to Expect
- Direct fact-based
- Inference-based
- Meaning of words/phrases in context
- Author’s tone/opinion
C. Best Practices
- Don’t overthink inference questions—stick to what’s implied
- For vocabulary, read the sentence (not just the word)
- Avoid biased interpretation
D. Practice Plan
- 2 RCs per week
- Use government/finance-themed content (NITI Aayog, RBI bulletins)
- Solve with a 25-minute timer
📈 Smart Score Booster Tips
✅ Tip 1: Take Full-Length Descriptive Mocks
Simulate the 90-minute pattern weekly. Use platforms like Bank Whizz for model answers and reviews.
✅ Tip 2: Prepare Templates
Keep ready:
- Essay introductions and conclusions
- Common essay transitions
- Standard precis connectors
✅ Tip 3: Enrich Your Content with RBI-Relevant Data
Use phrases like:
- “According to the Economic Survey 2024…”
- “RBI Annual Report mentions…”
- “As per SEBI guidelines…”
✅ Tip 4: Focus on Accuracy, Not Fancy Language
RBI wants officers who communicate clearly in business English. Simplicity + clarity = high marks.
✅ Tip 5: Maintain a ‘Descriptive Register’
Every day, add:
- A new essay point or quote
- One precis summary
- New words with meanings
This helps you revise at a glance.
🗓️ 4-Week High-Scoring Plan
| Week | Essay | Precis | RC | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1 Essay | 2 Precis | 1 RC | Create topic bank |
| Week 2 | 2 Essays | 2 Precis | 2 RCs | Start timed practice |
| Week 3 | 2 Essays | 3 Precis | 2 RCs | Take 1 full mock |
| Week 4 | 2 Full Mocks | 3 Precis | 3 RCs | Review + revision |
🏁 Final Thoughts
Scoring 70+ in RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English is not a dream—it’s a practical target with smart preparation, timely evaluation, and consistent writing practice.
Focus on what matters:
- Structure > Style
- Clarity > Vocabulary
- Logic > Emotion
Let your answers reflect the mindset of a future RBI officer—clear, balanced, and impactful.
🎯 Make your words count. Let your writing show your worth. And trust Bank Whizz to guide you to the top.